practice
Repeated activity to develop skill; an established method.
Word facts
Definition
Practice is the repeated performance of an activity to improve skill. As a noun, it also refers to the established custom or method of doing something. In British English, practise is the verb form.
Usage: In British English, practice is the noun and practise is the verb. In American English, practice is used for both. Remember: the noun ends in -ice (like ice), the verb in -ise.
Example sentences
- 1
Daily practice is the most effective way to learn an instrument.
- 2
The doctor had a medical practice in the centre of town.
- 3
She practised her speech for hours before the presentation.
Word family
From Greek praktike ('practical science'), from praktikos ('fit for action'), from prassein ('to do'). Practice is what you do to make something practical — real.
Practice (noun) has an 'ice' at the end — and ice is a noun. Practise (verb) ends in -ise, like other verbs (realise, advise).
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What is the difference between practice and practise?
In British English, practice is the noun and practise is the verb. In American English, practice is used for both noun and verb.
How many syllables does practice have?
Practice has 2 syllables: prac-tice. The stress is on the first syllable.